Support. Everyone needs it!

Fight Like a Girl! Signed by my beloved family in Indiana!

Thanks Annie for all your prayers, tears, and love!

 I have been thinking how blessed I am to have a husband who loves & serves his family as Christ loves & serves the church. Unselfishly. Totally. Tim has been so kind and gentle seeing me through my good times and bad, hair and no hair. He lovingly holds me when I have uncontrollable tears; he keeps me focused when I don't want to swallow any more pills; he tracks my meds & prepares my nighttime meds daily.








(He writes down the time, drug, and dosage in a handy color-coded, spreadsheet which he developed.)
     I can't believe the stories I have heard and read about -- when one spouse leaves another during a cancer diagnosis and treatment!! I can NOT imagine going through any of this without my life mate. Where would life's enjoyment be?

Our David supports me in his 2 year old way by laying his head in my lap, or hugging my leg, saying "I love you soooo much!" Or asking, "How are you feeling mommy? Is your tummy hurting mommy?" And when he puts his head down in my lap and says, "Dear Jesus help mommy heal her hurts, in Jesus' name, amen", I feel his compassion.

One of my favorite places in the whole world!!!

 My mom -- well what can one say about a mom who loves you so much that she drops everything and hops on a plane so she can attend the dreaded doctor appointment about your diagnosis…who reads everything there is to know about your cancer because you can't seem to face the reality of it… who calls people all over the country to get info about support groups and available cancer treatments …who goes to Dr. appointments with written questions, and pen & paper in hand?! Boy, she needs a vacation!!!
Everyone should be so blessed to have
such a mom and/or an advocate. We miss you mom!

Thank you to all the people who pray, e-mail, write on the blog, send card(s), call, text, help with David, pray for Tim, care for us, clean the house, play chauffeur, provide meals, etc.
          THANKS! THANKS! THANKS!

We look forward to Grandma Sara's return!
We hope you have a relaxing time in the sun!
We miss you - so do Larry Boy and Alfred:-) 

What can I say Linda? You keep me laughing and
you're a GREAT caregiver!! We miss you terribly.

Thanks Grandma Boggess for coming to visit us and
for giving David and all of us love & attention! 

Thank you Mary for the medical & nutritional advice.
You are blessed to have a kind, generous daughter
in Alyssa. We would be lost without her!

     It's strange…or, shall I hesitantly say "unfortunate" (?) how people put forth so much beautiful and welcomed effort to encourage you, love you, and shower you with help when you get 'near-death' sick. I say unfortunate only because we get so busy in our lives and time slips away as do treasured friendships and family relationships. I believe these relationships are vital when one is sick just as much as when one is healthy. But we forget to nurture them for whatever reason. 

     I believe that God intends for us to love, encourage and shower each other with help on a daily basis in sickness and in health. But we are human beings carrying Adam's sin burden which he introduced to his future descendants when he selfishly chose to disobey God's command in the Garden of Eden. Thankfully we have a choice – to obey or disobey God. To be selfish or selfless. Ahhhh, how to be selfless…it's all written in His word. I have got to read more!!

     I selfishly admit that I want your prayers, your thoughts, your encouragement, your attention, your help. I selfishly want to live to grow old with my husband (although I have always joked that he is not allowed to die before me). I want to see David graduate from kindergarten, grade school, college, etc. I selfishly don't want anyone to forget me – ever.        

     Then I hear about all the people at our church who are afflicted with some sort of disease more so now than ever and realize I am NOT the only one in need. And I NEED to be selfless, encouraging, loving and helping others. I need to be on my knees in prayer for others. The list of hurting souls is sooooo long and the days are short. Lord, help ME to put others first! Forgive me for being selfish and disobedient. Thank you for your forgiveness, mercy, and grace.